Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Huddersfield, England Date Reviewed: November 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wharnecliffe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
JE James
Strengths:
Total Value for Money. Great handling, great suspension. Loads of fun to ride!
Weaknesses:
front end is a bit 'twitchy' when landing drop offs and jumps and the hayes stroker ryde have very little modulation.
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
awesome bike. I really love riding it - can't wait for next summer - It's gonna be great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
reignx2
a Downhiller
from Davis, CA United States Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
livewire
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
northstar at tahoe f
Strengths:
super good for cornering, jumping, downhilling, and really easy to go fast on DH runs.
Weaknesses:
needs to come with a better fork. the marzocchi 55r has only 2 adjustments, feels sticky and leaks oil. giant should start putting avid breaks on their bikes.
Similar Products Used:
remedy, sx trail
Bike Setup:
mostly stock, sunline v-1 os bars, selle italia seat, sram x-9 derailur, ODI ruffians lock-ons.
Bottom Line:
really good bike for the price and can do everything. youll be able to keep up with you buddies who are on DH bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
highstandards
a Weekend Warrior
from Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
The ride and HANDLING! Just glued in the corners. Pedalling is good but not great. Hides its weight well.
This bike handles FAR better than the SX Trail II or Remedy 8. INTUITIVE and EASY to go fast. Versatility. I can ride with my DH buddies or tackle an 8 hour epic.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Suspension adjustability..."rebound dampening" on rocco r is virtually non-existant. Fork is not great, just ok. Seatpost clamp never did work right, then broke. Pedals are garbage.
Similar Products Used:
Remedy, SX Trail
Bike Setup:
Stock plus lock on grips NRG pedals
Bottom Line:
I like it better than The Remedy 8 and SX Trai(2008). Those bikes are significantly more expensive (but lighter).
Neither can equal the inspiring handling of the Reign X.
The best bike if you're on a budget and can only afford one bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NoSkillz#1
a Weekend Warrior
from Eureka Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Incredibly nimble for a beefy frame and slacker head angle. Really pedals well for being more on the DH/FR side of the "all mountain" spectrum.
Weaknesses:
Kind of heavy if your used to XC type bikes, but I don't notice it while I am riding at all.
Great bike, cannot say enough good things about it. Goes uphill pretty well, and bombs downhill. The price is really incredible. I was going to buy a new fork, but after running the 55r for a while, I don't mind it. I will just hammer it until it is dead and then get a new one. I did upgrade the rear shock though, it is way nicer to climb when you can lock up the rear end a little. With that said, the Maestro system is incredibly stable and plush.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CoedY
a Cross Country Rider
from Northampton,UK Date Reviewed: June 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Whistler, BC
Strengths:
After riding a lightweight xc bike for years then switching to the Reign X and taking it DH I found myself hitting stuff I never thought I'd be able to. It takes some fair drops and rough terrain easily. The low, laid back centre of gravity definitely helps here. It climbs ok for a heavy bike, though it could benefit on a propedal for this.
Overall it handles well whether going up or down.
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side, but that's what you expect with the bottom of the range X. I rode it only a few days at Whistler Park - I got 2 pinch flats on 2 runs on A-line, so i'd recommend putting different tyres on, as well as locking dh grips, and a seatpost shorter than the 6ft long one it seems to come with :p
Similar Products Used:
Norco Fluid LT
Bottom Line:
Great AM bike, good for a little of everything. Excellent for the money, and looks real sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Delay1234
a Downhiller
from Beaverton Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All Black Rock Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Great frame design. I am 5'11" and was torn between the medium and the large size. The medium felt good when I was moving slow and just messing around. The large (which I ended up purchasing) felt a bit more stable at higher speeds and I was still able to "man handle" it the way I wanted to. The cutout where the rear shock is located makes for a great low center of gravity. The low center of gravity definitely helps in the corners.
The quick release front axle is simple to remove and makes breaking the bike down easy for transportation or on the trail flat repairs.
I love the Sram set up on the bike. I have found that the Sram set up works much better than the Shimano set ups I have used for the same type of riding.
This bike has proven itself to be very versatile. I use it mainly for downhill style riding without it being a downhill style bike. This bike makes drops and jumps feel like you're hoping off a curb and handles very well at high speeds. After tearing down your favorite hill the X2's dual chainring set up will help you get back to the top with plenty of gears for climbing.
The bike is very comfortable while climbing and riding harsh trails. It is much more comfortable than the hardtail bikes I am used to.
Love the stock Kenda tires.
Last but not least... It looks mean.
Weaknesses:
My biggest beef with this bike is also one of the reasons I like the frame design so much. The position of the rear shock makes it difficult to access the air valve unless you have skinny fingers. The plate that protects the rear shock is inconvenient to remove and the tiny screws would be hard to keep track of if you had to add air on the trail. I have not yet had a problem with this since my hands are on the smaller side and I usually just adjust the pressure before I leave for a ride anyway.
Depending on your weight the stock rear shock might be a little "soft" for some riders. I am in the 195 range with gear on and usually just bump up the pressure closer to the max if I am carrying a pack.
I have heard of people having trouble with the 55R fork but mine has been problem free (knocking on wood) so far. It feels a little sloppy when it's cold out but gets better once you move around a bit.
Cheap looking chainring guard.
The bike might be on the heavy side for some riders (38lbs ish) but since I have been using this bike for downhill riding it hasn't bothered one bit.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler
Bike Setup:
Swapped out the pedals for a pair of Specialized Lo Pro Mags. I also changed to OD2 lock-on Ruffian grips. I cut the seat post down and inch to be able to lower it more for the steep stuff.
Bottom Line:
A lot of bang for your buck compared to the other bikes in the same category. Great design and very comfortable ride. Great freeride rig even though it wasn't entirely designed for that purpose. I take this bike off drops (not huge drops, more on the medium side of things) and jumps. This bike has given a lot more confidence on trails I wouldn't touch before. I love this bike and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for that "big bike" feel and doesn't want to break the bank.
Cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Decamun
a Downhiller
from Friday Harbor, WA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lower River Run (Local) or Frieght Train to A-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Center Cycle, WA
Strengths:
Sturdy, Plush, Balance suspension (if you adjust it right) Bottomless travel. Light, good components, looks sweet! Easy to fix. The list goes on and on.
Weaknesses:
Suspension can be a bit to soft, and the back shock makes sucking noises, easy to get flats, but no complaints, and no huge failures yet.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stab Supreme Garbanzo, assorted hardtails, Specialized SX trail.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign X2, stock, except for the pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing. It climbs almost as well or better than my hardtail would recommend it to anyone who had enough money. But I wouldn't use it for XC, and I think I might still rent at whistler this summer (more out of love for my bike, than because i don't think it could take it. Have you SEEN the last season rentals? I'm not subjkecting my bike to that.)
If you want a great all around bike with more than enough travel, for a decent price, go with this. My friend has the same bike, and landed a ten foot drop wrong on it. The bike flew twenty feet down the trail, and it's not even scratched. The only thing a little wrong with it was the derailer, which took about ten minutes back home to fix. The only reason i didn't give it five chilis is because im a little worried about my back shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ManH
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton, NJ Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Raritan Canal towpath
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Comfortable, good for rough crossings.
May be I should get the Reign 2. But just can't get over the 160 front and 6.7 inches rear travel.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, roughly 38.2 lb
I measure the length of the exposed part of the fork tubes which is less than 160 mm. So there is no way the front suspension can travel 160.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
It is my ultimate comfort bike. I ride for exercise and enjoy the scenery and I enjoy it much better when my butt doesn't hurt. I have a Forge Sawback 5XX which is a good strong hardtail, but my butt felt quite painful after 2 hours. With the Giant it is still OK after 3 hours. Many people said you can climb better with a hardtail, but I find that the Giant can climb much better than the Forge, especially when the going gets rough. Probably the rear wheel is staying on the ground instead of bouncing around and my feet find it easier to stay on the peddle. Now I can just peddle up a 4 inches step because of the front suspension and the less steep head angle. With the Giant an ordinary rider (admit it) can probably ride better but not faster. Also not for long ascends. If you want a lighter bike it is better to start with a X0 or X1, or just a Reign 2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sirchase
a Downhiller
from Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the fast one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Paradise Creek Bicyc
Strengths:
Turning, climbing, descending.
Weaknesses:
front derailer adjustment
Similar Products Used:
Pro Bike Mechanic
Bike Setup:
Stock suspension, Azonic Outlaw wheel set(white spokes, hubs, hoops, crome nipples), Diety DH bar (white), thompson stem, X-7 shifters, Wellgo magnesium flats (white), ODI Lock-ons, White on black Pure-V WTB saddle, WTB Weirwold front tire, Kenda Short Tracker rear tire, Heavy duty tubes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a f***ing shred machine. I love it. Just built this one a couple of days ago, but I had a stock one up on the mountain and it was great. Climbs and descends like butter, or gravy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tonet
a Weekend Warrior
from Davao City, Philippines Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Francis' Trail, DC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
3MJ
Strengths:
Maestro technology: climbs like a billy goat, very efficient. during ascents, performs like a hardtail bike. smooth on small and large bumps. The frame is very stiff.
Weaknesses:
paint easily chips off.
Similar Products Used:
anthem, bmx (kato bata pko)
Bike Setup:
fox talas 32 rlc, xtr group set,nevegal tires, thompson elite seatpost and stem
Bottom Line:
Perfect for weekend trail riding. Performs like nomad but half the price only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug S
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
bicycle pro
Strengths:
durability,frame,suspension,hydraulic disk brakes
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
trex EX8,Giant trance x2,Cdale rush 4.
Just demo rode the above products.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
the bike is good at all around riding.
I weigh 260lbs and have a large frame size.
the bike does have a hard time keeping up w/XC bikes when climbing but that is more ME than the bike.
the bike will and can climb.loves to go down hill and jump.
When I first got the bike the 500# spring was to soft the whole bike felt bouncy.Put on a 550# spring and made a big difference. For me the bike is set up just right a little on the soft side for XC riding but great for going down the hills I like it that way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
udana
a Downhiller
from fernie, b.c., canada Date Reviewed: February 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Incredible bike for the price. Frame is a definite keeper. Marzocchi shock and forks are great.
Weaknesses:
stumped on the new QR axle on the marzocchi 55R. Some cheap parts, but that's to be expected for such a low price.
Similar Products Used:
work in shop. Test lots of different bikes.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
As i write this review i have only ridden this specific bike for one day. It's great. The shop i work at had reign X1s as rental bikes last year so i have ridden and worked on the design for about a year. What i love about the X2 is the marzocchi parts. Fox is good, but i've always been partial to bombers and i love the feel of the ROCO shock with it's lack of platform and its in house servicability. I need help with the new QR axle however. No one i know has seen one yet. It seems like i may be missing a piece on the left dropout side. I'm going to call marzocchi and find out what the deal is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Mishaga
a Downhiller
from Camp Pendelton,CA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Amazon Bikes, Oceanside, CA
Strengths:
Good Feel, Good brakes, Nice Suspension, Looks bad @$$, Stable, Comfortable, Good componets
Weaknesses:
Alot of Suspension travel= pain to pedal, only 18 Speed. Seat can be uncomfortable unless you got a little extra cusion on your butt.
Similar Products Used:
Used to BMX
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I am new to the whole MTB Scene and it is a great bike, The only problem is i am recovering from a few injuries so trying to climb hills aren't too fun...but coming down is GREEEEEAT!!! It's a great bike and i would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a bike that can do it all!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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